King County Health released a report Friday announcing that cases of syphilis jumped again in 2010 after a 2009 downtick from the steadily rising numbers of the mid 2000s:

Syphilis cases in King County reached a 30-year high in 2010, prompting public health officials to call for increased testing and education for high-risk populations, especially men who have sex with men. In 2010, 283 cases of syphilis were reported, an 82 percent increase from 2009. Syphilis had been virtually eliminated in King County in the early-1990s.

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Looking for a local place to get tested? Gay City Health offers free testing by appointment or walk-in:

Gay City Health Project Wellness Center

511 E. Pike StSeattle, WA 98122Phone: 206-860-6969

• Tuesday-Friday, 3:30 pm to 8 pm
• Saturday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

 

Appointment and walk-in HIV and syphilis testing focused on the needs of gay and bisexual men. Testing is free with donations gladly accepted.